Oversizing cooling equipment: a costly mistake

The guidelines offer a simple look-up procedure to assist equipment specifiers, HVAC contractors, home installers, retailers, manufacturers, and electric utility staff select heat pump and air conditioner capacity for new manufactured homes. The guidelines were developed to help eliminate the all-too-common problem of choosing equipment with far more cooling capacity than the home needs.

Oversized HVAC equipment is recognized as a common industry problem that erodes energy efficiency and lowers customer satisfaction. Consumers overpay in two ways. First, they are buying equipment that has more cooling capacity and is more expensive than they need. Second, once installed, oversized equipment cycles on and off frequently, shortening equipment life, lowering efficiency, and increasing power bills. Oversized equipment also can lead to moisture problems within the home.

ENERGY STAR® certified homes typically require less cooling capacity because their high insulation levels and tight construction slow the transfer of heat from outside into the home, and their tight air distribution systems minimize the loss of conditioned air from the ducts.